Northrop Grumman‘s board of directors has elected Lucy C. Ryan the corporate vice president for communications, the company announced.

The appointment takes effect Jan. 1.

Ryan, currently vice president for enterprise communications, will report directly to Northrop Grumman CEO and President Kathy Warden. In addition, Ryan will sit on the company’s Corporate Policy Council.

In her new role, Ryan will be responsible for the company’s worldwide communications strategy and execution, including media relations, employee communications, advertising, digital communications, executive communications and branding.

“We are delighted to welcome Lucy Ryan, a highly accomplished and respected communications executive, to our senior management team,” Warden said. “Her experience in communications and corporate affairs will serve her well as the leader of our global communications organization. We look forward to Lucy’s contributions to our company’s future growth and performance.”

Ryan joined Northrop Grumman in September. Before that, she held a number of communication leadership roles at General Dynamics, including director of communications. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and a master’s degree in international commerce from George Mason University.